Old Town Cape drops effort to fund enhanced security

The board of directors of Old Town Cape announced Wednesday that they have decided not to pursue fundraising from local business owners for enhanced security in the riverfront area of Cape Girardeau, according to a news release.

Although certain concerns do need to be addressed, they do not appear to be pervasive, the news release said.

Earlier this year, Old Town Cape held a meeting during which complaints were made by several businesses owners about property damage, and concerns were expressed about bar crowds downtown.

Those concerns spurred a request for added security downtown, via the Cape Girardeau Police Department or a private security company during hours bars are open on weekends.

At a Sept. 26 meeting, downtown business owners reached a tentative agreement to fund additional security.

Statistically, downtown has not experienced more vandalism than other areas of the city, according to property damage reports.

Out of incidents of property damage reported, as of Aug. 1, less than 10 percent occurred downtown. In 2006, 2.6 percent of property damages occurred downtown.

"We would obviously prefer the number of incidents to be zero," said Marla Mills, executive director of Old Town Cape in a prepared statement.

In August, Mills said the beefed-up security would be a preventive measure, not a reactive one.

"We want the tourists, citizens and business and property owners all to feel good about being downtown and to feel safe," she said Wednesday.

Instead of amping up police presence, Old Town Cape will look at other alternatives to increase safety, such as additional lighting, the news release said.

Old Town Cape plans to educate property owners on ways they can improve the comfort and safety of their customers.

bdicosmo@semissourian.com

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